Authority of Department to authorize events; regulations concerning safety; application for permission; reimbursement of Department; contents of application; compliance with federal law.
1. The Department may authorize the holding of regattas, motorboat or other boat races, marine parades, tournaments or exhibitions on any waters of this state. The Commission shall adopt regulations concerning the safety of motorboats and other vessels and persons thereon, either observers or participants.
2. At least 30 days before a regatta, motorboat or other boat race, marine parade, tournament or exhibition is proposed to be held, the person in charge thereof must file an application with the Department for permission to hold the regatta, motorboat or other boat race, marine parade, tournament or exhibition. No such event may be conducted without the written authorization of the Department.
3. The Director of the Department may require an applicant, or the sponsor of the event, as a condition of the approval of a regatta, motorboat or other boat race, marine parade, tournament or exhibition, to enter into an agreement to reimburse the Department for expenses incurred by the Department to ensure that the event is conducted safely, including, without limitation, expenses for equipment used, expenses for personnel and general operating expenses.
4. The application must set forth the date, time and location where it is proposed to hold the regatta, motorboat or other boat race, marine parade, tournament or exhibition, the type of vessels participating, the number and kind of navigational aids required and the name of a person who will be present at the event to ensure that the conditions of the permit are satisfied.
5. The provisions of this section do not exempt any person from compliance with applicable federal law or regulation.
Last modified: February 25, 2006